Public Relations Tips For Media Placement

04/23/2009

As a result of the economic downturn many businesses are cutting marketing budgets. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, now is the time to put more effort into promoting your business. Not only will this keep you in front of your audience, it will ensure that, when the economy turns around and your competition ramps up its marketing efforts, your organization will be ahead of the game, according to Christine Keefer Soderbergh of boutique public relations agency, Keefer Public Relations.

Print, broadcast and internet media welcome news, timely story and article ideas. When a product or service is covered by the media, there is an implied their party endorsement which can help to increase sales or a company’s client base.

No budget to initiate a public relations campaign? Here are a few tips to facilitate pitching and placing news, articles and story ideas:

• Whenever possible, capitalize on current events. This makes your input timely and more relevant. For example, following the Wall Street melt down and Bernake debacle, there was a slew of media coverage about where to invest--an ideal opportunity for companies seeking investors. Summer is approaching. Does your company manufacture pool safety products?
• Ascertain the audience. A technology publication will not be interested in a story idea about fixing credit.
• Become familiar with the outlet. If it is a print publication look at the type of articles, columns and features published. If it is a radio or television show, check if they use guests and what is the focus. Do they cover books, real estate, personal finance, consumer topics?